2022 Athlete Travel Award Scheme Profile – Kelly Skea

Kelly is one of 11 local athletes benefiting from the sportscotland Athlete Travel Award Scheme (ATAS). The Scheme is an ongoing partnership between sportscotland and the participating local authorities in Highlands & Islands - Orkney Islands, Western Isles, Shetland Islands and Highlands Councils.

Orkney Islands Council is extremely grateful to also have a partnership with Stagecoach which allows us to enhance and extend our programme in Orkney.

Name

Kelly Skea

Age

23

Sport

Olympic Weightlifting

Main events

Snatch, Clean & Jerk

What inspired you to take up your sport?

From a very young age I have been interested in trying new sports. I started taking part in netball and kickboxing from a very young age up until I left for university in 2017. I decided I wanted to try something completely new. I attended a weightlifting come and try course, fell in love and never left!

Best Achievement this ATAS year?

Setting three new Scottish Records for Snatch, Clean & Jerk and Total.

Making the move from U23 to Senior is a huge level up in weightlifting. Working with my coaches, we focussed on gaining experience and took it in our stride. In Stirling this year, I set three new records and took home Best Female Lifter Award.

What does ATAS mean to you?

The support I have received through the Athlete Travel Award Scheme this season has been incredible. It has allowed me so many more opportunities to train and compete with other national lifters and coaches on the mainland. Gaining these valuable experiences has been critical in developing my weightlifting career to where it is today. I hope to continue this progression as far as I can take it.